Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that requires medical assistance reimbursement for doula services to expecting parents in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Requires the reimbursement for Doula services, such as (Sec. 1):

• Childbirth education;

• Support services, including physical and emotional support; and

• Labor and delivery.

• Requires a registry of certified doulas who meet requirements and are entitled to reimbursement to be maintained (Sec. 1).

• Requires reimbursement to doulas for travel time or mileage expenses in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service (Sec. 1).

• Requires doulas to do the following to be included on the registry of certified doulas (Sec. 1):

• Receive and maintain certification by an approved national certification agency; or

• Get additional training focused on;

• Doula training for special populations;

• Becoming a Medicaid participating provider; and

• Additional topics the department requires.

• Requires doulas to provide the necessary information for a background check (Sec. 1).

• Requires the development of a Doula Advisory Board to decide the education requirements and approved accreditation entities that include (Sec. 1):

• A diverse membership of providers, admin, and community members

• The Secretary;

• A representative from the State Department;

• A representative from the Office of Medical Assistance Programs;

• A representative from the Bureau of Family Health;

• A representative from the Office of Health Equity;

• A representative from a nationally recognized doula organization;

• Practicing doulas in the Commonwealth; or

• A member of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee.

• Requires the Doula Advisory Board to develop and update a list of approved entities where individuals may get the necessary certification for becoming a doula from (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text